In Greece and Rome, brothels were established institutions, but sex work was often performed by slaves. These women were called pornai or ‘free women’. However, the adjective ‘free’ wasn’t really related to their social status, since these individuals were not allowed to get married or take part in public ceremonies. The very first public brothels in Greece had a precise social function: to prevent homosexuality between young men. These houses were often marked with a red phallic painting on the door and illuminated with a lamp, giving rise to the term ‘red light’ district today.
Source: Sex work through the ages | Wellcome Collection
Women turned to prostitution to feed their children
In Greece and Rome, brothels were established institutions, but sex work was often performed by slaves. These women were called pornai or ‘free women’. However, the adjective ‘free’ wasn’t really related to their social status, since these individuals were not allowed to get married or take part in public ceremonies. The very first public brothels in Greece…
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